2024 Holiday Campaign

My mom, Gabrielle, used to make the best pancakes. We called them UFO’s because the edges curled up. When I think back to the family breakfasts she made, I realize how lucky I was as a child. My mom took a keen interest in all our hobbies and activities. She played an active part in my life and that of my sister Stephanie and brother Christian. 

Besides her support at home, she attended our many sporting events – cross country, basketball, and baseball. And she volunteered at our schools – reading club, milk program, school trips. Not only did mom do anything and everything for her family, but she also loved keeping busy with a multitude of other things – bowling, gardening, horseback riding, and spoiling her cats. 

My mom is the reason I am reaching out to you today to share a different part of our story and the role the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York) has played in our lives. Your support is critical to ensure programs and services are available for families impacted by this life-changing disease – families like mine. I hope you’ll consider making a special gift to this outstanding organization during the holiday season.

The changes in Mom were mild at first, forgetting things and repeating herself. Her family doctor did several tests, and finally in 2020, she was officially diagnosed with dementia. Mom was only sixty-four and our family was devastated by the diagnosis. 

Dementia can be a lonely journey, and caregivers often say they feel isolated when they need support the most. We could see our dad, Hans, facing the challenge of his new role as caregiver.  

Through online research, I discovered that AS York offers a broad array of programs for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers. As a family, we attended an evening hosted by the AS York staff in Aurora called Caring for Caregivers. That experience was an eye opener for us – most importantly, making us realize we were not alone. 

At the event we learned that AS York staff support caregivers by offering programs and services, healthcare navigation, public education, counselling, support groups, active living and D.A.Y. programs.  

Mom eventually joined the AS York D.A.Y. program in Aurora. It was ideal, not only to provide socialization for Mom, but to ease some of the pressure on my dad. Mom attended the program two or three days per week. She really enjoyed those days – and Dad had some time to himself.

The D.A.Y. program team at AS York became a lifeline for our family when we were faced with the most difficult diagnosis we could have imagined. AS York has given us the support we need.

By the Spring of 2023, Mom was having difficulty with the stairs and becoming a flight risk at home. As difficult as it was, we knew long-term care was the next step. We did our best to make her apartment cozy, hanging lots of family pictures. But it wasn’t easy. She was angry with us, and we were angry at the disease.

Today, Mom’s condition continues to deteriorate. Conversations are sporadic and her mobility has declined. Sadly, she struggles to recall the grandchildren most days. No one is prepared to see their loved one slowly fade away and become someone else – to see their vibrant, funny, fun-loving mom get lost in the grip of this horrible disease called dementia.  

Each of us is taking it day by day – doing the best we can for Mom and for each other. Dad has organized events at the long-term care home with Christian and Stephanie, where they fire up the griddle to make pancakes and waffles or hand out ice cream to residents and staff.

It makes a difference knowing that we are not alone – that the team at AS York is ready with programs and services when we need them most. And that there are generous donors like you who help make these supports possible. Thank you.
 

As a family, we have made the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s an annual tradition. The first year, I participated with my siblings, our partners, and children. In 2024, Dad joined our team and, like us, felt the strength of community among so many York Region families navigating the same journey. 

The grandchildren love decorating their wagon for the walk – with balloons, flowers and drawings. It’s their way of supporting their Oma. Joining with so many other families – children, grandchildren, caregivers – walking together for the same cause reminds us how this disease impacts every generation of a family. 

Thank you for playing an important part in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Please consider a gift to the Alzheimer Society of York Region today to help fund vital support. Their programs and services are a lifeline for families impacted by dementia, families like mine.

With my sincere gratitude,

David Lubke

P.S.  Thank you for reading our story and thank you for supporting the Alzheimer Society of York Region. Every donation is valued by families like mine who are impacted by your generosity.